As expected, it's an absolutely swful idea. My favourite thing is when they score a goal and ghen just wait. It's like having sex and when you're just about to pop, a far bloke in a tracksuit and stopwatch around his neck tells you to stop it and wait for 60 seconds, then he says "Okay, you can proceed now with the ejaculation."

I like the idea of these video assistants. I'd like to see them get better with the timing so we don't have to wait around but when they do it'll hopefully put an end to those silly end of game discussions.

Just watching the U21 game, Italy-Germany. Some good young players, I like Mayer, Arnold and Dahoud.Italy just gone 1:0 up as I write haha.

Watching Chile v Australia here. Australia are just lacking that bit of quality. They fight like their Cricket and Rugby team, and it won't be that long before they start to get into the mix. Five or ten years. Or so, with the way their football is starting to get more popular back in OZ. :)

Watching Chile v Australia here. Australia are just lacking that bit of quality. They fight like their Cricket and Rugby team, and it won't be that long before they start to get into the mix. Five or ten years. Or so, with the way their football is starting to get more popular back in OZ. :)

Thought that about Canada when they made the World Cup in 86. They went out without scoring a goal and the women's team have had to carry the can ever since (ayup) Hopefully Australia will do better once they find a replacement for Tim Cahill.

Thought that about Canada when they made the World Cup in 86. They went out without scoring a goal and the women's team have had to carry the can ever since (ayup) Hopefully Australia will do better once they find a replacement for Tim Cahill.

The last team Hungary managed to beat at a World Cup. And even then we were so shite that we only won 2-0, 4-0 would've been enough to go through.

Thought that about Canada when they made the World Cup in 86. They went out without scoring a goal and the women's team have had to carry the can ever since (ayup) Hopefully Australia will do better once they find a replacement for Tim Cahill.

Yeah they're really going to miss him when he's had enough. Can't be long now. They have improved as a team though. And most importantly for them, what they lack in quality, they make up quite a bit in effort and aggression. :)

Celtic got into the group stages of the Champions League though. Rangers can't even get past their first qualifying match. They're a million miles away from Celtic at the moment.

...............less than a year ago Celtic lost to a pub team from Gib - but at least they came back in the 2nd leg. Aberdeen and Hearts have had similar problems ,it just shows the dire state of Scottish football.

Normally couldn't care less about Celtic but I really wanted them to hammer these fuckers just to sicken their scummy bigoted supporters. Good to see Sinclair scoring following the bonfire incident. Hope they are heavily fined for being the arseholes that they are. Ref was a dickhead though.

Normally couldn't care less about Celtic but I really wanted them to hammer these fuckers just to sicken their scummy bigoted supporters. Good to see Sinclair scoring following the bonfire incident. Hope they are heavily fined for being the arseholes that they are. Ref was a dickhead though.

I know it's an awful thing to say but I struggle to have much sympathy when it's Celtic on the end of things. They've been on the giving side of these things enough times in the past, it's inevitable when you involve religion in football.

I know it's an awful thing to say but I struggle to have much sympathy when it's Celtic on the end of things. They've been on the giving side of these things enough times in the past, it's inevitable when you involve religion in football.

Yeah, but it's hardly the players' fault. Okay, some players might be culpable a bit.

Watching Arsenal v Benfica on ESPN Deportes and after the Twente game last week this confirms watching with foreign commentary is definitely the way to go. Absolutely no idea what theyre saying apart from the stereotypical GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL shouts, but its far more watchable than Tyler and Smith.

Watching Arsenal v Benfica on ESPN Deportes and after the Twente game last week this confirms watching with foreign commentary is definitely the way to go. Absolutely no idea what theyre saying apart from the stereotypical GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL shouts, but its far more watchable than Tyler and Smith.

I think you're right that once the option is there, refs won't want to risk getting big calls wrong and we'll end up with more incidents like this

The only way out is to have the video ref(s) watch the game all the time and if they can't make up their mind about an incident within let's say 5 seconds, that's it. Unless of course the ball is dead anyway.

The only way out is to have the video ref(s) watch the game all the time and if they can't make up their mind about an incident within let's say 5 seconds, that's it. Unless of course the ball is dead anyway.

Like the Year 7s playing against the Year 11s in school. It's shoukd have brought their own ball

It really was though wasn't it? Reminded me if when Liverpool played real Madrid at Anfield. Liverpool were doing their pressing thing under Rodgers and most teams crumbled under that but the top teams are just far too good to be bothered by it.

No matter how he plays overall, Lukaku will score goals and point to his record whatever people say.

Stats rule football now.

He will score goals, but will he score the important ones?

The biggest statistical argument against him is how rarely his goals affexted our overall result last season. Last night tallied up with this. He scored once in a 2-1 defeat, rather than twice in a 2-2 draw.

A £75m-£90m striker should not miss those chances and they'd have veen level and the momentum would have been with them. It could have changed the game.

The biggest statistical argument against him is how rarely his goals affexted our overall result last season. Last night tallied up with this. He scored once in a 2-1 defeat, rather than twice in a 2-2 draw.

A £75m-£90m striker should not miss those chances and they'd have veen level and the momentum would have been with them. It could have changed the game.

Thats what I mean. All anyone sees is his goal total and he lives off that. Stats overrule play in fooball now.

Like Carragher myself think he's been better than Neville on the punditry bit for a while.

Really, mate?

I think Neville is many levels above Carragher.

Carragher struggles to complete sentences satisfactorily, much like Jamie Redknapp; I find myself cringing when they are trying to make a valid point (although they are nowhere near as bad as Robbie Savage)

Neville is eloquent, and is well-versed in the tactical side of the game as well.

Carragher struggles to complete sentences satisfactorily, much like Jamie Redknapp; I find myself cringing when they are trying to make a valid point (although they are nowhere near as bad as Robbie Savage)

Neville is eloquent, and is well-versed in the tactical side of the game as well.

Yeah seriously. I think he's more balanced and analytical than Neville now. I think since Neville had his Spanish internship he's come back a little bit stale. Even though he's more articulate than Carragher hes lost maybe some empathy and impartiality that he had before.

That's not say he's not very good either, just think Carragher is the better one at present.

Oh and I'll not hear a bad thing about Savage. Top fella in all aspects away from punditry!

Title: Re: 2017-18 Today's football
Post by: sam of the south on August 12, 2017, 04:50:17 AM

Yeah seriously. I think he's more balanced and analytical than Neville now. I think since Neville had his Spanish internship he's come back a little bit stale. Even though he's more articulate than Carragher hes lost maybe some empathy and impartiality that he had before.

That's not say he's not very good either, just think Carragher is the better one at present.

Oh and I'll not hear a bad thing about Savage. Top fella in all aspects away from punditry!

Ah well.

I think he's dreadful (and not JUST because he's one of them :blush:)

Savage a nice fella is he?

I must admit, I only heard good things about him when he came down to Brighton.

VVD must be worth about 90m to them given how desperate they are for a CB and they'll have Coutinho money lying around

Given the inflated price for Coutinho, Southampton would be smart to hold out for higher in response. Although it seemed 60 was a crazy big figure earlier in the summer, with the money sloshing around from the Neymar deal I'd not be overly surprised if they asked for 80 for VVD if Coutinho goes for 100.

Redknapp was criticising their defence and Garragher was kind of defending them. I did not get every word of it, but i thought that Redknapp was very aggressive towards the Liverpool team like he wanted to be their manager in the future.

One thing i genuinely dont understand is how in 2017 i can't watch football on the telly with just crowd noise. It used to be a red button option on sky, but disappeared years ago.

Watching the pre-season friendlies with foreign comms was so much more enjoyable. No appropriate lack of respect driven bullshit, no stating the fucking obvious, just being able to watch the game and be trusted to make my own judgement on what was going on.

I get in the old days it may have been hard to identify players, but now in super clear HD with squad lists and team sheets available for every game its not exactly hard to equip yourself with the information to work out whos the 22 wearing right back.

One thing i genuinely dont understand is how in 2017 i can't watch football on the telly with just crowd noise. It used to be a red button option on sky, but disappeared years ago.

Watching the pre-season friendlies with foreign comms was so much more enjoyable. No appropriate lack of respect driven bullshit, no stating the fucking obvious, just being able to watch the game and be trusted to make my own judgement on what was going on.

I get in the old days it may have been hard to identify players, but now in super clear HD with squad lists and team sheets available for every game its not exactly hard to equip yourself with the information to work out whos the 22 wearing right back.

I have to mute a lot of games for my insanity**

The weird thing about that is if someone came into my house and saw me watching the telly with the sound off they would think I was insane

** I am aware I may have some psychological issues with Sky/BT commentators like

Title: Re: 2017-18 Today's football
Post by: sam of the south on August 13, 2017, 09:08:09 PM

One thing i genuinely dont understand is how in 2017 i can't watch football on the telly with just crowd noise. It used to be a red button option on sky, but disappeared years ago.

Watching the pre-season friendlies with foreign comms was so much more enjoyable. No appropriate lack of respect driven bullshit, no stating the fucking obvious, just being able to watch the game and be trusted to make my own judgement on what was going on.

I get in the old days it may have been hard to identify players, but now in super clear HD with squad lists and team sheets available for every game its not exactly hard to equip yourself with the information to work out whos the 22 wearing right back.

Joe Hart will cost them though, despite the nonsense Pardew is saying about him and his vital premier league experience this year. Zabaleta is over the hill and Arnautovic is a bit like Mirallas in only turning up for the big games.

One thing i genuinely dont understand is how in 2017 i can't watch football on the telly with just crowd noise. It used to be a red button option on sky, but disappeared years ago.

Watching the pre-season friendlies with foreign comms was so much more enjoyable. No appropriate lack of respect driven bullshit, no stating the fucking obvious, just being able to watch the game and be trusted to make my own judgement on what was going on.

I get in the old days it may have been hard to identify players, but now in super clear HD with squad lists and team sheets available for every game its not exactly hard to equip yourself with the information to work out whos the 22 wearing right back.

There used to be a well know sopcast streamer who sometimes had just crowd noise. Was ace, closest you could get to feeling like you were at the game.

Not really arsed about seeing Lukaku in a United shirt which is weird considering the number of goals he scored for us. I remember feeling sick when i saw Rooney on his United debut - i guess its because we've been excpecting Lukaku to leave for some time and he's a bit of a nob. He'll do well there though, for sure.

Title: Re: 2017-18 Today's football
Post by: sam of the south on August 13, 2017, 11:11:32 PM

As his predecessor on the left wing made a goal-scoring start to life in France, former Everton player Deulofeu struggled to make a compelling case to be the Brazilian's long-term replacement in Spain.He had one glorious chance to make an impression but wasted it, firing a shot across goal and wide from inside the box. He was replaced by Denis Suarez shortly after.If Barca have their way, he will soon find himself down the pecking order, possibly behind Philippe Coutinho.

As his predecessor on the left wing made a goal-scoring start to life in France, former Everton player Deulofeu struggled to make a compelling case to be the Brazilian's long-term replacement in Spain.He had one glorious chance to make an impression but wasted it, firing a shot across goal and wide from inside the box. He was replaced by Denis Suarez shortly after.If Barca have their way, he will soon find himself down the pecking order, possibly behind Philippe Coutinho.

What also strikes me is where as we at home start an Everton, Everton, Everton, by the fourth Everton it's rarely more than just a whimper, whatever we start usually fizzes out within two verses, when we see German, Croatian teams the fans keep it up constantly throughout the game.

I think he'd be a dream around Rooney, Sigurdsson, Klaassen, and Sandro.

While I'd like some pace in the side, look at what Giroud did just then. Wins that high hanging ball amidst a bunch of Stoke players and drops it right in the 6 yard box for someone to tap in (for us that'd be Klaassen, Sandro, Rooney). I think we're missing that element more than we'd benefit from the likes of Welbeck. An intelligent footballer working with other intelligent players (the aforementioned Rooney, Klaasen, Sigurdsson etc).

Title: Re: 2017-18 Today's football
Post by: sam of the south on August 20, 2017, 01:26:00 AM

While I'd like some pace in the side, look at what Giroud did just then. Wins that high hanging ball amidst a bunch of Stoke players and drops it right in the 6 yard box for someone to tap in (for us that'd be Klaassen, Sandro, Rooney). I think we're missing that element more than we'd benefit from the likes of Welbeck.

The injuries though, if we're only buying one striker...how could you rely on Welbeck to be that player?

In general, I just think he's a streaky player. He'll get some goals then not for a while. He doesn't have the consistency of a top PL player. Lukaku through on goal, I'd say 9 out of 10 times he scores. Welbeck...maybe 6/7 out of 10.

While I'd like some pace in the side, look at what Giroud did just then. Wins that high hanging ball amidst a bunch of Stoke players and drops it right in the 6 yard box for someone to tap in (for us that'd be Klaassen, Sandro, Rooney). I think we're missing that element more than we'd benefit from the likes of Welbeck. An intelligent footballer working with other intelligent players (the aforementioned Rooney, Klaasen, Sigurdsson etc).

Giroud doesn't want to come here. We can't kidnap him. At least Welbeck would still be a possibility. Personally, I think Welbeck would be a good addition to the team. :)

Title: Re: 2017-18 Today's football
Post by: sam of the south on August 20, 2017, 01:33:40 AM

The injuries though, if we're only buying one striker...how could you rely on Welbeck to be that player?

In general, I just think he's a streaky player. He'll get some goals then not for a while. He doesn't have the consistency of a top PL player. Lukaku through on goal, I'd say 9 out of 10 times he scores. Welbeck...maybe 6/7 out of 10.

The only worry I would have would be his poor injury record.

He's a good link up player, and offers the versality of being comfortable out wide.

Chelsea's squad isn't deep enough. Can see why Conte's annoyed about a lack of transfer business.

Or maybe they should stop loaning out 50 players a season

Title: Re: 2017-18 Today's football
Post by: sam of the south on August 20, 2017, 10:29:31 PM

Glorious free-kick.

On a side note, much like his ex-shite colleague Snake Murphy, Jamie Redknapp is a snide, who loves unsettling players; he was the one who publically rocked the boat about Ross, and just now he was destroying Bakayoko, saying he is nowhere near Matic, and how Matic would do this and do that.

He's 20 mins into his EPL debut, and he didn't ask to replace Matic.

Sky and BBC should put a reign on these bells, unsettling players like the bullies they are.

Title: Re: 2017-18 Today's football
Post by: sam of the south on August 20, 2017, 10:30:22 PM

On a side note, much like his ex-shite colleague Snake Murphy, Jamie Redknapp is a snide, who loves unsettling players; he was the one who publically rocked the boat about Ross, and just now he was destroying Bakayoko, saying he is nowhere near Matic, and how Matic would do this and do that.

He's 20 mins into his EPL debut, and he didn't ask to replace Matic.

Sky and BBC should put a reign on these bells, unsettling players like the bullies they are.

On a side note, much like his ex-shite colleague Snake Murphy, Jamie Redknapp is a snide, who loves unsettling players; he was the one who publically rocked the boat about Ross, and just now he was destroying Bakayoko, saying he is nowhere near Matic, and how Matic would do this and do that.

He's 20 mins into his EPL debut, and he didn't ask to replace Matic.

Sky and BBC should put a reign on these bells, unsettling players like the bullies they are.

Bakayoko looking decent given his lack of fitness. At least so I thought.

Title: Re: 2017-18 Today's football
Post by: sam of the south on August 20, 2017, 10:33:54 PM

Great game that. There was some real quality on show from both teams, and we play both, in the next 4 games. It's a very interesting time for the blues and we should be able to see how far we've come, or not, in the next few weeks as the case may be. :)

Drink driving which resulted in him crashing his car a killing a passenger back in 2011.

Received a fine and had his license revoked because he acknowledged his crimes, the court took too long to rule on his case and most importantly, he paid the victim's family a significant amount of money.

Drink driving which resulted in him crashing his car a killing a passenger back in 2011.

Received a fine and had his license revoked because he acknowledged his crimes, the court took too long to rule on his case and most importantly, he paid the victim's family a significant amount of money.

@Simon Paul (https://www.nsno.co.uk/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=1) @Bally (https://www.nsno.co.uk/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=19) is that Martin O'Boyle in the dug out on Premier League duties?

First half we were as one-dimensional as you'd expect from England, generally reaching the edge of their penalty area and not actually penetrating into the box. By comparision the Dutch were trying lots of different maneouvres and frequently forcing blocks and tackles in our penalty area.

Fantastic bit of quality for our goal, both the set-up and the finish, I already commented earlier. Pretty average defending for their goal, no one stopped the momentum of the Dutch and I personally thought the looping header was good but I hate seeing keepers unable to judge the flight of the ball and diving nowhere near it.

Kenny rarely got forward which I thought might be a symptom of replacing Holgate in Boothroyd's team. Dowell started brightly then started to lose possession a bit when he was used as the outlet. Lookman was great in the link-up play, safe as houses at retaining possession whilst the attacks were building. He was slack getting back which may have been a tactical decision.

Calvert-Lewin was far more involved than Solanke who I almost felt sorry for, it was the inverse of the redshite dominated seniors ignoring Everton players, having three of ours in the attack did not get the best out of Solanke. Anyway back to Dom, perfect first half really. Popped up in either channel, in the box, perfect on-the-shoulder-of-the-defence play for the goal.

Second-half my stream started playing up and I went to bed, so I will only note what I thought changed.

Kenny got forward a lot more in this half, whilst still doing so safely and not motoring to the byline at the first opportunity. Much improved though.

Dowell started showing what he has most players just don't. Picking the ball up in midfield and playing perfect forward passes right up to the edge of their penalty area, dissecting their defensive midfield with supreme vision and technique.

So I dropped out at 60 minutes, tried again about 70 minutes, just in time to see Jonjoe Kenny preserve our point. Leighton Baines type reading of the situation, we're in open play but he goes to stand on our goal-line, far post, and ends up clearing a shot off the line the 'keeper was probably not saving :woohoo:

Dropped out again on 75 mins, at that point I gave up.

You can probably tell I like watching the youth team more than the senior, mostly still humble lads!

He's Wales second best player though. They were always getting knocked out of Euro 2016 once he was injured suspended. Was a poor miss from him 5 minutes ago, regardless the referee saving his blushes.

Arnautović didn't have that excuse, absolutely magic give-and-go with whoever the commentators reckon is Austria's skipper, he mucked it up in similar fashion to Ramsey when both could have just fired a shot on target.

Austria very much on top this half, decent technical players. I think I'm going to sack this off at half-time even if I'm still pissing about elsewhere on the forum for a bit longer!

England are shite, can't cope when half decent teams have a go, its not a new thing. Southgate is an FA yes man, job is way to big for him. Not a single leader on the pitch, it amazes me what people see in Henderson, i dont get it

There's evidence of very poor coaching in terms of discipline in Englands play here. Southgate is a complete and utter charlatan. He shouldn't be anywhere near the managers job, of any national side, never mind England.

If the FA stopped apointing fucking yes man who pick the same shite as the last feckwit did...we would maybe progress ...but this team picks itself over and over ,not on form or stats just on face fitting shite .. ..like the last twenty years, since the last half decent team Gazza Shearer and the likes .

Painful if you care perhaps? For me it was a gloriously ridiculous match, the statistics are incredible! (Finished 2-1 for everyone else, which is not a great result for Australia unless Saudi Arabia fail to win a home game against Japan) Frickin' 40 shots and 57 crosses, it's not even an exaggeration!

Regardless of whether the decision was right or wrong, they're a goal down and a man down. So fuck em.

But City have a ghost in goal now.

Title: Re: 2017-18 Today's football
Post by: School of Science on September 09, 2017, 07:17:34 PM

Disgraceful bias commentary by Neville, goalkeeper carried off after a horrible assault from Mane. Even Henry backing them up, they do love Liverpool don't they on sky. One of the most blatant red cards I've ever seen, head high studs rammed into the goalkeepers face and " don't let the goalkeeper getting carried off cloud your judgment" wow. I think Liverpool playing MAN CIYT has clouded Neville's judgment myself.

Reds in the boozer are fucking livid, one just said Klopp should refuse to play the second half cos the ref is so biased, i choked on my pint

To be fair Klopp shouldn't be allowed to watch the second half. Player down and in big trouble for all to see and he still makes his jumping up and down. As far as i could see he was the only one livid by the decision.. Mane looked like a player who realised to late that he was making a big mistake. God I can't stand Klopp .... and the reds in your boozer ...

Yea. I find myself defending him a lot, and it's getting harder to do.

Loved him as a player and if he had signed in 1994 when Royke wanted him (before he got injured the week before the move) he would have been a legend with us. But as a manager he bottled a qualifying play off at home against Russia and acting like an an utter bellend as City manager turned my opinion of him

They have some crazy pace. Wijnaldum is so good. Wish we had bought him a few years back.

I don't understand how with players like Klassen, Siggurdson, Rooney, Sandro, Schneiderlin we can't play one touch quick football. We don't need to be quick just run into space and give and go. Technically brilliant players. We really shouldn't be struggling like we are.

They have some crazy pace. Wijnaldum is so good. Wish we had bought him a few years back.

I don't understand how with players like Klassen, Siggurdson, Rooney, Sandro, Schneiderlin we can't play one touch quick football. We don't need to be quick just run into space and give and go. Technically brilliant players. We really shouldn't be struggling like we are.

According to BBC sport, Ascensio missed tonights game for Real Madrid because he got an infection due to shaving his legs, which caused pimples to appear on his legs, which prevented him from pulling his socks up.

90 min +4: Gomez walks for a late lunge in the midfield on Muriel. A second yellow, he can have no complaints.

Coach Berizzo catches a ball sailing out of play. Instead of handing it to Gomez he throws the ball down the touchline. The referee sends him to the stands! He departs, but only after accusing Klopp of getting him sent off. Klopp did have his say, it’s true...." Guardian

Remember when people on here wanted Klopp before he went to Liverpool? Would they be as embarrassed of his antics if he was our manager? I think I would. I like dignity or a reserved passionate behaviour in a manager

Remember when people on here wanted Klopp before he went to Liverpool? Would they be as embarrassed of his antics if he was our manager? I think I would. I like dignity or a reserved passionate behaviour in a manager

Well, yeah. None of our managers have ever acted like he has, in fact, there's very few anywhere act like him. I'd cringe like fuck had he been in our technical area doing that shit.

Even tho both their fathers talked transfers in the press while they where with us, Fellaini showed himself to be classier than Lukaku...

the first goal,, Lukaku can see Fellaini is winning the header, he watches the ball go into the net (he's jumping from behind Felli) he doesnt react, no smile, no arms in the air.. he just looks annoyed he didnt get the header.

Lukakus goal, soon as the ball is over the line Fellaini is waving his arm about all excitedly. lol

only negative i can see in Lukakus goal, but i guess as a striker its not a negative.

Even tho both their fathers talked transfers in the press while they where with us, Fellaini showed himself to be classier than Lukaku...

the first goal,, Lukaku can see Fellaini is winning the header, he watches the ball go into the net (he's jumping from behind Felli) he doesnt react, no smile, no arms in the air.. he just looks annoyed he didnt get the header.

Lukakus goal, soon as the ball is over the line Fellaini is waving his arm about all excitedly. lol

only negative i can see in Lukakus goal, but i guess as a striker its not a negative.

Lukaku looking vexed that maroune scored, not really celebrating until a few seconds after the goal. whole Maroune celebrated Lukakus goal straight away.

i know it dont mean anything.. i like to watch the body language of players and facial expressions.. as you can get a glimpse of th character of the player.. which brings me back to my point.. that Fellaini is classier.

Remember when people on here wanted Klopp before he went to Liverpool? Would they be as embarrassed of his antics if he was our manager? I think I would. I like dignity or a reserved passionate behaviour in a manager

His nickname in Germany was 'second' and he's been second to none in the cunts stakes since he arrived at Anfield. I had never heard of him until the 'hipster' talk on here started. Where are you now oh hipsters?

I'm having to listen to the match on Talksport as I cant get BT and the streams don't work, anyway, they've just mentioned the Arsenal v Cologne game and that Cologne are bringing 20,000 over with them?!!

I'm having to listen to the match on Talksport as I cant get BT and the streams don't work, anyway, they've just mentioned the Arsenal v Cologne game and that Cologne are bringing 20,000 over with them?!!

I used to quite like Hodgson until his complete bottle job of a press conference when he'd resigned as England manager and then tried to get out of facing the media then next day as 'it's not my job anymore'. Spineless cunt.

I used to quite like Hodgson until his complete bottle job of a press conference when he'd resigned as England manager and then tried to get out of facing the media then next day as 'it's not my job anymore'. Spineless cunt.

I don't see what the fuss is. He did a good job with Switzerland and has ridden on the back of that ever since. I wish he'd have kept the Liverpool job longer. That would have been interesting.

If we can't enjoy the failure of these tits then we'll have no enjoyment from football at the moment.

I'm arsed. I took the piss when they lost to City - then we get tatted by Spurs. I took the piss when they drew with Sevilla - we got twatted by Atalanta. I laughed when the drew with Burnley......you get the picture

I'm arsed. I took the piss when they lost to City - then we get tatted by Spurs. I took the piss when they drew with Sevilla - we got twatted by Atalanta. I laughed when the drew with Burnley......you get the picture

Looks like Barca are going political... i've always felt more sports men/women/teams, should speak out on the injustices of this world... which is one of the reasons i rate Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic (how many know he was born in Palestine?)

you have to get the youth/masses to engage in the world around us, cant leave it to psycho politicians like Clinton/Trump/May,

Real Madrid lose 1-0 at home, pleb on the commentary just said that rules them out of the title race this season. They've only played 5 games ffs

It is a tad early to predict, but in a league where it's been settled by a couple of points, sometimes one, over the last few seasons and them already 7 behind it's a lot to rely on Barca losing two games .

It is a tad early to predict, but in a league where it's been settled by a couple of points, sometimes one, over the last few seasons and them already 7 behind it's a lot to rely on Barca losing two games .

Unsurprisingly, the FA have managed to come across as grossly incompetent and bigoted all in one go.

“The incidents being investigated were – I’m not going to give any more detail than this – inappropriate behaviour and a crossing of the boundary between coach and players. There is no evidence that has come to our eyes about anything illegal and we don’t want idiots going round his house with torches. But he had clearly stepped over the line and admitted as much.

“The reason we have parted company with him was that, while the safeguarding team did their job on their specific narrow front, nobody else within the FA was alerted that what he had done was not something you would be comfortable with for an FA employee. In his [Sampson’s] eyes, he felt he had been cleared of the issue. And he had been from a safeguarding perspective. Our problem was the grown-ups in the organisation hadn’t seen the report and the full detail to make the point about employability.”

Anyone else hate people trying to copy everything Ronaldo does when he takes a free kick

The deep breath, the wide stance, it's all for show isn't it?

None of that makes you take a better free kick

Yeah it's all part of the theatre of it all but justified by the routines that rugby players go through. Jonny Wilkinson did explain that for him, his routine was done purposefully, it was designed but purely from a technical and mental preparation point of view. He was in no doubt it helped him, and you can't really argue with that I suppose.

According to Sky Lovren, Matip & Can were all subject to fitness tests ahead of Leicester and were doubts.... they all start today. Sky are full of shit! They’ve put Moreno at LB ahead of Roberstson?! Clueless!

I was like you and it is his clueless act that luls you into believing that he is a loveable buffoon, when in reality he is just a complete bellend.

I try not to watch or listen to certain shows on the BBC, Sky and BT, because the punditry is so rubbish - Watch a lot of NFL and the standard of punditry and commentary is light years ahead of the garbage that we get here.

I was like you and it is his clueless act that luls you into believing that he is a loveable buffoon, when in reality he is just a complete bellend.

I try not to watch or listen to certain shows on the BBC, Sky and BT, because the punditry is so rubbish - Watch a lot of NFL and the standard of punditry and commentary is light years ahead of the garbage that we get here.

he was stuck for words on numerous occasions and you could see that the presenter (Stelling on this episode) knew exactly that Kamara knew fuck all

Merson even had to save the day in their discussions which says it all really

As you posted - needing to bailed out by Merson is embarrassing. I used to watch the build up to games but now just switch on at kick off time. Don't watch things like The Debate but the one time I did happen to catch a snippet, Simon Jordan was on and that was enough for me to realise that I am not missing anything.

As you posted - needing to balled out by Merson is embarrassing. I used to watch the build up to games but now just switch on at kick off time. Don't watch things like The Debate but the one time I did happen to catch a snippet, Simon Jordan was on and that was enough for me to realise that I am not missing anything.

Chelsea v A Madrid game is really good. Chelsea unlucky to be behind, will find it tough now I'm sure though as Atletico will dig in.

In retrospect we'd have been better off keeping Lukaku for another year, but we probably didn't have that option. It turned out to be bad business to sell at the beginning of the summer. He's easily a 100+ mil striker now.

We need to sign Kieran Tierney from Celtic, another world class performance last night against Anderlect. Much better than Baines and that's not knocking Baines down coz he's been a great player and professional for us. Time to move on

Reports say he was in a taxi that hit a lamppost and is flying back to Manchester this morning. Maybe I am being naive here but nothing wrong with going out but two days before a big game and in another country.

Reports say he was in a taxi that hit a lamppost and is flying back to Manchester this morning. Maybe I am being naive here but nothing wrong with going out but two days before a big game and in another country.

Spurs are starting to look very good again. Do wonder if they'll be able to keep hold of Kane...Benzema replacement maybe?

As much as it's hard not be impressed by Pochettino it's hard to work out how good Spurs would be if they were forced to sell Kane. He's sorta like Lukaku was to us, I doubt they'd be able to replace him with anything like the same level of player.

For around 10 years, we where jostling with them, we where on pretty much level ground.We could have invested in our youth, or the first team, but we never went for it.. so many missed opportunities, instead we sold stars and bought cheaper replacements...

while spurs tried to be adventorous buying better players (even tho alot failed) it has worked for them. i know most is down to Poch, but I fucking hate spurs.;/

The worst England team I've ever seen this. Fuck, I think Everton would beat this bunch of cunts. Rashford aside, it's a nothing team. You'd think players like Kane could do something but as good as he may be for Spurs, he's nothing at international level - even when we're playing Poor opponents such as this. Same goes for the rest of them too.

Wales are on the same points as Scotland and Croatia (17) and one more than Greece (16).

Points against 6th placed teams don't count so you're on 11 points with Scotland and Croatia. Greece are on 13 points and because their last match is Gilbraltar, they'll remain on 13 points.

A draw would take you to 12 points. Therefore behind Greece.

If Scotland win then they'll have 14 points. Anything less than a win and they'll be overtaken by Slovakia (providing they beat Malta) in the group who'll have 12 points and a better goal difference than Wales in the play off table.

The only way a draw is good enough for Wales is if Ukraine v Croatia also ends in a draw and it's not a higher scoring draw than the Wales match.

Apparently if Wales drew 0-0 with Ireland and Ukraine drew 1-1 with Croatia (or 1-1 and 2-2, 2-2 and 3-3 etc) then it would come down to fair play points, whatever the fuck they are.

Surely you can’t have missed the fact that Seamus has been missing since a horrendous tackle broke his leg in a couple of places against Wales last March?

Ah, that's why we're shite!

In all seriousness, yes, I do remember, and I am well aware of how good the Irish management, team, and fans were to our Seamus but I will still be cheering for Wales so be kind and don't shoot me in the face.

Definitely behind Wales tonight. Half Welsh myself but anyway I really can't stand that Irish run-around shite the Irish churn out generation after generation. The tournament would be far richer with Bale there too.

but over the last 20 years, i've always preferred Wales.. but Williams has turned me off them... thought he was goin to score an own goal with that sliding clearance facing his own goal.. if that was for us, he would have scored it.

Anytime we concede a goal he just slumps his shoulders, puts his head down and hides away.

Fucking bad running off the pitch at the end of a game like that though mate. I know. Defend him but I can't condone that at all. I'd strip him of the captaincy but I have the feeling he will retire from international football after that

Chris Coleman has been great done so well to get what he has out of this team over the last few years. However he cost the game tonight in my opinion with the sub when Allen went off. Wales had all control of the game, Allen is brilliant for wales at getting hold of the ball, moving the ball, showing for a pass all over the pitch. Ramsey is great at finding spaces in the opposition half and getting moves going high up the pitch. Bringing Williams on and moving Ramsey back lost all flow suddenly stopped winning as many balls, didnt keep possession as well and the team looked lost about what it was trying to do.

I know he was trying to win the game but should have brought Edwards on and left Ramsey where he was, he isnt a good deep centre midfielder.

Williams usually messes with his boots/laces when he makes a mistake, like the mistake came about cos his laces where loose or some shit, then he wipes the sweat off of his nose with the inside of the shirt.. lol seen him do it countless times this season.

Well representing your country against another side is international level

No one else was stepping up to get them through to the next round. Cahill is an absolute master of heading the ball and the leap he generates is still as good as anyone currently playing I would say

He's easily the best player in the history of the Australian national side I reckon

Yea, I agree with all that. It's just international football is a bit shit really, isn't it. Good on him like, but he's far from the player he was. He's not even one of the top players in the A League these days.

It's probably the expanded tournaments that are devaluing it for me. I know it's greatly benefited countries like Wales, so I should be grateful. But it does mean there's an awful lot of dross in the group stages. Qualifying groups have always contained that dross, but now they have the added incentive of the bigger tournaments, there's more exposure around the 'smaller' games.

Just can't bear Souness. 'This was always our biggest game in the 80s'. No it fucking wasn't, you utter cretin. Utd were in the wilderness for decades and your neighbours were winning and challenging for leagues and cups every year. Disingenuous twat.

Just can't bear Souness. 'This was always our biggest game in the 80s'. No it fucking wasn't, you utter cretin. Utd were in the wilderness for decades and your neighbours were winning and challenging for leagues and cups every year. Disingenuous twat.

Souness had gone by the time we became a threat to them.

This has always been a massive game for both clubs stretching back into the 60’s, it’s not the usual Sky hyperbole.

Just can't bear Souness. 'This was always our biggest game in the 80s'. No it fucking wasn't, you utter cretin. Utd were in the wilderness for decades and your neighbours were winning and challenging for leagues and cups every year. Disingenuous twat.

Heard in the week that Utd have had the easiest set of fixture before this weekend (Us and Palace have had the toughest). This is the first tough game for Utd this season and Lukakau has been piss poor

Just watched the palace/Chelsea game. Palace fully deserving of victory. Could've scored 2 or 3 more. Bar one Stonesesque back heel in the 6yardbox, sahko looks very good. They actually had a great balance of composure and speedy players. It'll be interesting to see if they can keep it going

Don't think there's a manager who can produce better football on the planet but let's not pretend it hasn't took him £330m to do it.

3rd last season was it? Hardly meltdown in his first season in an ultra competitive top 6.

Yes, he's had money but there's few managers on the planet that can play anything close to this brand of football.

Also it takes a very specific set of elite manager skills to gain the respect of and to challenge and improve exceptional players. All this 'anyone could do what he does with that money' stuff is utter nonsense.

I think some of you are giving Lukaku a bit of a raw deal. He had zero service. Mourinho came to set out his stall, as always, and Lukaku was an isolated figure up front, which caused him to get massively frustrated and for his game to go to shit. He should have buried that one chance he had, admittedly.

I think some of you are giving Lukaku a bit of a raw deal. He had zero service. Mourinho came to set out his stall, as always, and Lukaku was an isolated figure up front, which caused him to get massively frustrated and for his game to go to shit. He should have buried that one chance he had, admittedly.

Real are one of those teams that don't need to play well to win handsomely. Fancy them to do Spurs tonight. Weird lineup for Spurs. Messed about with the whole defence and Winks and Sissoko in midfield aren't good enough

Real are one of those teams that don't need to play well to win handsomely. Fancy them to do Spurs tonight. Weird lineup for Spurs. Messed about with the whole defence and Winks and Sissoko in midfield aren't good enough

Biggest different between the two managers (although I hate them both )At least klopp doesn't single players out for derision like RK. ..we all know Loveran was fucking awful but instead of berating a single player ....it's "we" lost "we" played badly ....a lot moreclass to the man than Koeman who loves blaming and singleing out players for punishment ....thats were our confidence is gone imho.

Biggest different between the two managers (although I hate them both )At least klopp doesn't single players out for derision like RK. ..we all know Loveran was fucking awful but instead of berating a single player ....it's "we" lost "we" played badly ....a lot moreclass to the man than Koeman who loves blaming and singleing out players for punishment ....thats were our confidence is gone imho.

‘Actually I really don’t want to blame players and Dejan was no worse, to be honest, than Joel. ‘We have to prove we are better defenders than we are today. The only way to fix it is to stay strong. The first goal would not happen if I am on the pitch, in my trainers.’

Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham were believed to have pulled West Ham, Leicester and Everton on board but the agreement of 14 clubs is needed to effect such a substantial change.

* the ball is between the hands or between the hand and any surface (e.g. ground, own body) or by touching it with any part of the hands or arms except if the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper has made a save* holding the ball in the outstretched open hand* bouncing it on the ground or throwing it in the air

A goalkeeper cannot be challenged by an opponent when in control of the ball with the hands.

Regardless of how many games we are into the season it's the physiological affect teams around us winning games they shouldn't that is the problem. I've been in relegation scraps and there's. O thing more demoralising than seeing that happen. I know it's early doors but advantage needs to be taken now

Regardless of how many games we are into the season it's the physiological affect teams around us winning games they shouldn't that is the problem. I've been in relegation scraps and there's. O thing more demoralising than seeing that happen. I know it's early doors but advantage needs to be taken now

Just reading the fallout from Lukaku's performance against Chelsea- 0 touches in the Chelsea penalty area

Saw a little bit of Neville and Carragher after the game, Neville saying that he didn't turn up against Liverpool or Spurs as well. Carragher made a valid point that due to the way Mourinho sets up for these games he's left isolated. I think that's a fair point but then as Neville said, players like Lovren kept him quite. There's definitely a pattern there with him and the big games.

You can see another pattern developing. Solid when he first started but over the last few games (other than the expected pumpings of the likes of Cyprus and Gibraltar etc) they've started letting in goals. It looks like they conceded 7 in his first his first 11 games, now they've conceded that 7 in the last 4. You could argue that they were fairly meaningless games by that stage but if I was Belgian it would be repeating a worrying trend.

In qualifiers every team defends deep though, so the manager tries to come up with a system to beat these teams, and then generally try to carry the same players/tactics into tournaments where we get battered as we are shit at it against anyone good

Yes I see. I guess the bigger question is whether too many teams are qualifying in the first place. I think so. But then people will always hark back to the example of Greece in 2004.

I'm all for variety in styles of football at major tournaments. But too many teams paying negative football will harm the game. That's why I think that teams should not get any points if they draw 0-0 in the group stages.

To go out to such a shit incorrect penalty decision is heart breaking, it would have been easier to take if we had been beat 2 or 3 nil.

Yes Switzerland missed numerous chances but they have top quality players playing for Juventus, Milan etc and we have a bunch of guys who are mainly playing lower league football apart from the likes of Davis, Evans and McAuley. The team just fight for all and play for the shirt and for us to hold our own and play exceptionally well tonight and still be in the tie right until the death says it all about our togetherness and support.

We know we are a limited squad but that didn't stop us from enjoying every second of the last 2 campaigns and the atmosphere we generate at Windsor for such a small stadium is second to none. Having been to all the wc qualifying matches this term and coming off a fantastic experience in France all I can say is I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and to be a part of the GAWA.

Professional athletes all over the world are pushed too hard in terms of the number of games they play and the length of their season, and care less and less about each game. It's not surprising.

While I've Italian parents and an Italian passport, as a football spectator, I'm not terribly upset about the results. Congratulations Sweden! I hope there are some underdogs that perform well and perhaps win it. Sometimes, it's easier to enjoy the tournament once your team is out.

It certainly is easier to just enjoy a WC when your country doesn't play.You can enjoy the football itself rather than winning. Not that I prefer Sweden not to qualify but to be able to look at the games without your tinted glasses are very realxing, just enjoy the beautiful game without the stress.But I wouldnt swap place with Italy anyway.

I'm all for experimentation with the England team but it's true they always revert to the old ways. I've not been impressed at all tonight though. Seen nothing decent except a few glimpses from Rashford.

Honduras are awful, can't remember them having a shot. This is the team that lost 6-0 to the USA, who themselves have failed to qualify. The disparity in quality levels of qualifying groups is pretty ridiculous.

A word on De Bruyne's latest masterpiece. What a fucking hit with his wrong foot from a standing position. Outrageous.

Still waiting for the 'Guardiola will struggle in England' crew to emerge out of the woodwork. Frightening brand of football they're playing. Fantastic manager, moving the game forward in this country.

A word on De Bruyne's latest masterpiece. What a fucking hit with his wrong foot from a standing position. Outrageous.

Still waiting for the 'Guardiola will struggle in England' crew to emerge out of the woodwork. Frightening brand of football they're playing. Fantastic manager, moving the game forward in this country.

Best team since the Arsenal team of the early 00's.

I'd go out my way to watch them.

Yeah he's had a lot of money to build this team, but to get a group of players to play such football on a consistent basis shows what an incredible manager he is.

Be interesting to see how they cope without stones in the next few weeks.

You probably won't be surprised to hear that most match reports are written during the game, ready to be filed even before the final whistle, and amended later if necessary. It's embarrassing but it happens :)

The Klopp calling the kettle black there. Although I do think Costa's even worse than Klopp, his massively exaggerated celebrations are fucking cringeable, every goal they score he celebrates like it's full time in a World Cup final. Annoying cunt.

'I'm hoping - really, truly hoping - that there is a logic. So far Klopp has splurged on mid/for. We started a game with Mane, Bobby, Lala and Gini on the bench and still lived with the defending champions'

'I'm hoping - really, truly hoping - that there is a logic. So far Klopp has splurged on mid/for. We started a game with Mane, Bobby, Lala and Gini on the bench and still lived with the defending champions'

This article is from Fernandinho's remark after Kyle Walker got sent off... against us... I came to the conclusion that was our best game this season. He is saying that DCL dived... last week our Oumar also dived and got a ban from the FA. Has anyone seen the Fernandinho dive fom today... ? Will he get a ban like our Oumar?

Eeeesh. Some good goals, but not sure about Watford tonight. I like Silva in general, and I'd have liked him here, but he has this sort of result in him for sure. Will be interesting how he gets on over a full season.

Anyone reckon Everton would be top six with Lukaku still in the squad like?

If he started as he did for Man Utd we'd be significantly better off. Plus, because we started better our confidence wouldn't have gone down the drain and in general performances should've been not as desperate as we are now.

So not top 6, but yeah not far off. In this alternate reality I'll say 18-20 pts and top half.

Ta for the input regards Lukaku lads. For what its worth, especially after watching the United game, I reckon he'd be making things worse with his sulking and we'd be maybe three positions higher in the table with his goals. Main benefit would be we'd be without a room full of number 10s but sadly never would have seen Niasse in action.

Fallen off a cliff. Looked like one of the best prospects in world football when he broke through at Benfica. Another case of moving on too quickly? Still only 20 mind, plenty of time to sort himself out.

Funny I got slated for going on about Lukakus pointing and gesturing to his team mates here last year ....and so it begins in Utd 😅😅.he's shite ...nowhere near his dad's ego .😅..and crap unless every ball goes through him like when he was ere ....we robbed them .See the Mancs buying a striker in the window me.

Funny I got slated for going on about Lukakus pointing and gesturing to his team mates here last year ....and so it begins in Utd 😅😅.he's shite ...nowhere near his dad's ego .😅..and crap unless every ball goes through him like when he was ere ....we robbed them .See the Mancs buying a striker in the window me.

Hear what yer saying, but christ what would you do for his goals last season?

David Moyes speaks! He notes that West Ham will have to defend well and score some goals. “We’ve made a couple of changes. Two were enforced. Winston Reid was injured and Joe Hart can’t play. We need to make it as hard as possible for them. We’re without at least three centre-halves today. We’re without two or three senior ones who we could have done with. We’re in a difficult run of games. I’m here a couple of weeks and we’ve got a couple of biggies coming up.”

Delph just dived on the edge of the box, wasn't even touched. If he isn't banned by the FA then something's fucked.

Hopefully Moyes mentions it after the game as it was the passage of play that followed which led to their goal. If he mentions it it'll put it on the appropriate lack of respect and maybe they'll take a look.

Hopefully Moyes mentions it after the game as it was the passage of play that followed which led to their goal. If he mentions it it'll put it on the appropriate lack of respect and maybe they'll take a look.

It shouldn't even matter though, it was a successful deception of the ref and way clearer than Niasse's. Disgraceful if he isn't charged.

Pep doing the old Wenger thing of flipping out every time a team tries to not let them play

It’s a compliment!they fear they are gonna get bummed 6-0 by you!which they probably will if they play a high line and attack you from the off. Surely to God he can see why West Ham and Southampton did what they did?

They probably saw Liverpool go at them and get stuffed 5-0 or whatever and thought ‘yeah we don’t want that to happen to us’

Not everyone has a bottomless pit of money to sign attacking talent, or the qualities of Guardiola as a coach, teams are entitled to just try and get out of there with a point if they can

No matter what Redmond said, pep was Defo being a bit of a prick to him and he was pissed off that Southampton didn’t make it easy enough for City. Southampton knew they weren’t as good as city and their plan almost worked. Same for West Ham